SUN, SAND AND BANANAS

Synopsis

A detailed and comprehensive examination of the developing economies of the Caribbean, specifically the island of St. Lucia and the republic of Guyana on the South American coast.

Begins by looking at the Banana industry in St. Lucia (accounting for 90% of the total agricultural export), the importance of British economic aid in sustaining and developng this industry, and the forms of this aid: a guaranteed market for the produce in Britain, a massive investment in road building, a Banana…

A detailed and comprehensive examination of the developing economies of the Caribbean, specifically the island of St. Lucia and the republic of Guyana on the South American coast.

Begins by looking at the Banana industry in St. Lucia (accounting for 90% of the total agricultural export), the importance of British economic aid in sustaining and developng this industry, and the forms of this aid: a guaranteed market for the produce in Britain, a massive investment in road building, a Banana Research Station aimed at improving average yield, transportation methods, etc. Some broader issues of investment and development are examined, including housing and medical training: trainee doctors discuss the lack of incentive for remaining and practicing in St. Lucia.

Goes on to look at Guyana, whose main industry of Bauxite mining was nationalised in an attempt to achieve a measure of economic self-control, but which remains dependent on foreign aid. The Prime Minister explains his objections to the aid program - the tithing system by which a percentage of aid is effectively returned, the definition of suitable uses for aid - and his anxieties over developing a tourist industry before the economy is self-sustaining. The film ends by asking if aid actually represents conscience-money for the previous period of total neglect; and shows St. Lucia celebrating emancipation from slavery, a freedom not yet achieved in economic terms.

Production Credits

Countries

The Colonial Film website is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and features films from the British Film Institute, the Imperial War Museum, and the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum.